Council approves £7.3m grammar school expansion

The £7.3m expansion of a Maidstone grammar school has been approved as the local council seeks to meet growing demand for boys' selective school places.

From September 2027, Oakwood Park Grammar School will have 30 additional Year 7 places yearly, as their Published Admission Number (PAN) increases to 190.

The project is being backed through Kent County Council's Basic Need Capital Programme, with funding coming from a combination of government grants, council capital funding and developer contributions.

Councillor Beverley Fordham said: "We're seeing increasing demand for grammar school places in Maidston.

"With more families moving into the area, it's important that our schools have the capacity to meet that need."

Following the expansion of Maidstone Grammar School for Girls in 2023, about 55% of Year 7 grammar school places in the borough are for girls, compared to 45% for boys.

General demand for grammar school places has also continued to rise as Maidstone's population grows.

The plans for Oakwood Park Grammar School also include three new classrooms, a science classroom extension, a new three-court sports hall and upgrades to existing facilities to help pupils "learn, develop and succeed", Fordham added.

She said: "This is about making sure we're investing in the right places now to support local families in the years ahead."

Follow BBC Kent on Facebook, X, and Instagram, and listen to BBC Radio Kent on Sounds. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.